Cousin of PM Hun Manet Involved with Huione Pay Amid Scandal

In a troubling twist, a cousin of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has publicly acknowledged holding a 30% stake in Huione Pay, a digital payment firm embroiled in allegations of cybercrime and money laundering. This revelation has sparked public outcry, especially since the U.S. had previously sanctioned the company due to its alleged ties to financial crimes involving transnational scams in Southeast Asia.

Hun To, cousin of Prime Minister Hun Manet, made this admission in a public statement on Wednesday, confirming his 30% share ownership in HUIONE PAY PLC. However, he emphatically denied any involvement in the company's operations or receipt of profits, dividends, or financial benefits during his shareholding.

The scrutiny surrounding Huione Pay intensified after U.S. authorities accused Huione Group last year of laundering money for criminal organizations linked to online scams in the region. Reports state that Huione Group oversaw multiple e-commerce platforms, cryptocurrency exchanges, and digital payment systems alleged to facilitate international fraud.

Liquidation records indicate that former chairman Li Xiong commanded 62% of the company’s shares, while Hun To retained 30%. Documentation provided by Reachs and Partners reportedly verified this ownership model, and the liquidation was formally completed in October 2025 amid rising international scrutiny.

Chinese officials have implicated Li Xiong in a vast gambling and fraud ring, accusing him of being a key figure in illegal online gambling affecting various countries. He was extradited to China on April 1, facing serious allegations, which has intensified pressure on investigations into the firm's activities.

In spite of the growing backlash, Hun To reiterated his lack of direct engagement in Huione Pay's management, claiming he had no role in decision-making or financial dealings related to the firm. His remarks have drawn mixed reactions from the public and industry observers.

The situation is further complicated by complaints from users about frozen accounts on the Huione platform, known as H-Pay, formerly Huione Pay. Since last month, many users have protested for the release of their funds, alleging lost access to their accounts since December, stalling withdrawals and access to their digital assets.

The National Bank of Cambodia confirmed that licenses associated with Huione's platforms were revoked, citing compliance failures following investigations. This case has sparked broader concerns over the rapid rise of unregulated digital financial services and their potential connections to organized cybercrime in the region.

The ongoing Huione controversy underscores the escalating risks posed by cybersecurity threats in Southeast Asia. Governments are increasingly pressed to enhance financial oversight, bolster cybercrime enforcement, and safeguard users against online scams. Experts believe that this situation could invite greater international scrutiny of digital payment services linked to high-risk financial operations in Cambodia and its neighbors.